AU GRES SHEEP FACTORY

ABOUT THE ARTIST 

Jean and Richard Nixon
Au Gres, Michigan

Jean Nixon The Au Gres Sheep Factory is a family business born out of passion for natural fiber and a gift of a spinning wheel more than 20 years ago. Jean Nixon left a teaching career to raise a family, and her husband Rich left a tool and die design profession to take over the family farm. Jean, already an avid knitter, taught herself to spin, felt, and dye, and Rich began making spinning wheels. After growing the business for over 30 years, Rich and Jean have scaled back and have turned the business back into a small joy rather than a large roller coaster ride. Jean is back doing what she likes best: spinning her heart out, combing fields for natural dye material, and designing new items to add to their list of woolly creatures and "woolly fun stuff" just for ewe!